You know I take sermon notes each week
as I listen to the Sunday message
at our Madison Valley Presbyterian Church,
Ennis, Montana.
No, this isn’t our church, but I thought it would be fun to show you the church in
Chippis, Switzerland where we attended with our daughter and family.
Ah, but I digress…
Today our pastor, Rev. Jean Johnson, was ill, so one of our church leaders, Lucy Ennis, read the message Rev. Jean had prepared.Jean was among today’s “suffering.” The sermon was based on John 12:1-8.
As usual, I listened with intent to take away the message I needed… a message to help guide my actions this day and into the coming week.
The bottom line of today’s message was quite clear,
“Surrounded by suffering,
go reach out to others.
Ready?
Start!”
Jesus faced Jerusalem
Knowing what’s ahead.
His disciples were warned
He soon would be dead.
Jesus returned to the home
Of Martha and Mary:
Friends who’d always be there,
His sorrows to carry.
He knew they would respond;
They’d give him a dinner.
They’d throw a party
For their Savior, their Winner.
Mary went out of her way
To show Jesus her devotion.
She bought expensive perfume
And poured it on Him in loving motion.
Judas was horrified, and cried,
“Why waste this? You should sell it!”
Jesus told Judas to be silent.
Mary knew His end was coming; she’d tell it.
The last reminder of what’s good
In this troubled, earthly life
Was a gesture of love by Mary,
She poured sweet fragrance on His strife.
Such gestures of love and assistance
Help get us through life with courage.
Reach out to others as Mary did.
Don’t let your troubles discourage.
Whatever you do, my friends,
Do it out of a pure and loving heart.
Surrounded by suffering, go –
Reach out to others. Ready? Start!
Photo by Lovefood Art on Pexels.com
So, I did as my heart directed. Following church, I practiced with our little church choir. We are going to sing at the town’s Easter Sunrise service. Then, I went downstairs and helped serve at fellowship. (I had made and brought two pots of soup to share.)
No, that picture is not my soup. I’m afraid our little Sunday School kids and some of my church friends would not have appreciated all those hot peppers and garlic! But, doesn’t it look good? Mine was a more mundane potato soup.
What did you do to reach out to others and show your love today?
Comments on: "Faith Amidst Suffering" (2)
Jan, thank you for this message. Our message was similar but I love seeing and reading messages of familiarity that resonates with the soul. Our little church is suffering right now with the sudden loss of our media director, God called him home this past Friday. We have a huge void in my hearts. We serve a live, caring God and He will comfort us but we must also comfort those in need. Thank you for sharing your blessings with us, your readers. ❣️
I will pray for you and your church, dear Charlotte. Thank you for your precious comment. It makes my heart sing to read what you had to say. Hooray for fellow Christians who lift us in our quest to “Walk the Talk.” My little church is struggling, too. But, God has a Plan. Keep the faith! <3